Cherokee County charities are wishing this Christmas season for residents willing to help meet the increasing demands for assistance.

The Salvation Army expects to help about 220 children in need of Christmas gifts through its Angel Trees program.

The organization puts up Christmas trees in various locations throughout Cherokee. Each tree contains as many as 25 paper ornaments, and each includes a child's name and what they want for Christmas.

People who visit local businesses are invited to take a paper ornament and purchase the requested gifts.

Trees are in Canton at Cracker Barrel, Ryan's Family Steak House and the Salvation Army Thrift Store; at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat and at BJ's Wholesale Club in Woodstock.

"It looks like we're going to do well," Salvation Army Cherokee County Director Cathy Monroe said of the campaign, adding BJ's tree already has been refilled with more ornaments. "It looks like the community is coming together."

Ms. Monroe added she has been bombarded with so many requests for help that she's now referring people to other charities.

MUST Cherokee is expecting about an 18-percent increase in the number of children it will help this Christmas.

Holiday Coordinator Connie Stevens said she's anticipating to help 1,800 children, a rise from last year's 1,550 children.

The charity needs new, unwrapped gifts for children and teens age 18 and younger. Toys for children between the ages of 6 and 12 are most needed.

Volunteers also are needed to help man the Christmas Toy Shop, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays from Dec. 7 to 23.

Ms. Stevens said she remains positive about this year's outlook.

"This community is a really generous community," she said.

Anyone who wants to volunteer can call (678) 218-4508 or e-mail Ms. Stevens at cstevens@mustministries.org.

The Woodstock Police Department is in need of monetary donations for its Shop With a Cop program.

Officer Leigh Ellerbee, who coordinates the program, said she expects between 80 and 90 children to shop for toys with a police officer. The children will shop at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Woodstock Walmart Supercenter on Highway 92.

The initiative helped 126 children and brought in $5,700 last year, Ms. Ellerbee said.

Children are given the opportunity to Christmas shop with officers for themselves or family members. Ms. Ellerbee said she would like to collect at least $6,000 for the children to shop with this year.

"Even a small donation is more than welcome," she said.

Ms. Ellerbee said she thinks the Woodstock community will come through this year.

"I think it'll be great," she said. "I think we're going to have a pretty good turnout."

Anyone who wishes to donate can call the department at (770) 592-6030, ext. 1134.

The Canton Police Department also needs funds for its Shop With a Cop Program.

The police department will shop at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Walmart Supercenter in Canton.

Cpl. Stacy Bailey said she's expecting to help more children this year and hopes to provide at least $50 for each child.

To make a donation, call Cpl. Bailey at (770) 720-4883.

About 200 children will be helped by the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit's Christmas Joy initiative.

The program helps needy children, senior citizens and families during the holidays.

Funds donated are used to purchase basic necessities and gifts for those in need. The money is used specifically for children to purchase gifts and to deliver food baskets to seniors.

"We can use all the money we can get," said Reserve Sgt. John Forkin, coordinator of the program.

About $12,000 is needed to run the program comfortably, Forkin said, adding $8,000 has been raised so far.

To make a contribution or for more information, call Forkin at (770) 479-0502.

Seniors also will receive Christmas assistance from the annual Cherokee County Senior Services Adopt-a-Senior Program.

Volunteers are needed to buy "wish list" gifts such as pajamas and slippers for seniors receiving services in the Meals-On-Wheels, Congregate Meal or Homemaker Program.

Volunteers can call (770) 704-2320 to leave a message about wanting to sign up.

A Towne Lake food pantry is expecting to help at least as many families it helped last year.

Papa's Pantry plans to feed at least 60 families through its Adopt-A-Family program for Christmas.

Families who cannot afford to have Christmas on their own are partnered with adoptive families who are able to help.

Lynne Saunders, founder and executive director of Papa's Pantry, said her nonprofit needs more adoptive families.

The center also is in need of donated Christmas trees and unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers. Of course, she said, financial donation and food also always are welcome.

"Money is always good," she said. "It helps us keep the lights on."

Volunteers can attend an orientation session from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the pantry's office at 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200 in Woodstock. For information, call Mrs. Saunders at (770) 591-4730.

New, unwrapped toys are needed for the U.S. Marine Corps' Reserve Toys for Tots program.

The program in Cherokee is being coordinated by the Marine Corps League Woodstock Detachment 1131, and has about 50 locations throughout Cherokee participating, said John Newport, commandant for the detachment.

It's part of the larger metro Atlanta Toys for Tots program.

Newport said he's hoping to collect "a couple thousand" toys for children.

The final pick up for toys will be on Dec. 19, Newport said.

For information about where to drop off toys in Cherokee, see the Web site at www.atlantatoysfortots.com.

Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services anticipates an increase in participation in its Secret Santa program.

Ann Feczko, coordinator of the program, said about 200 children are already on the list.

The program provides Christmas presents to foster children, and financial donations and sponsors willing to buy gifts are needed.

Some items on children's wish lists include bikes, clothing and mp3 players.

Ms. Feczko said she wants to raise at least $10,000, which also will be used for other services for foster children.

Despite many in the community watching where every penny goes, Ms. Feczko said she's confident people will pull through for the children.

"Cherokee County comes through every year," she said.